Lot details
Registration No: RAS 368
Frame No: 27536
Engine No: 27267
cc: 493
MOT Expiry Date: None

The famous Wolverhampton Sunbeam company had been absorbed into the ICI concern during 1928 and entered the 1930's with a reputation for building high quality products thanks largely to their insistence in producing as much as possible "in house". The quality of their products finish was a yardstick which other manufacturers sought to match, the secrets of which lay in the firms early history as a manufacturer of high quality "japanned" enamel ware. By the latter half of the decade and despite the efforts of ICI's accountants to cut manufacturing costs, the company was in trouble. Sunbeam, like their rivals Velocette, were incapable of producing an inferior product which placed them at a disadvantage in the tough economic climate prevailing at the time. Consequently ICI sought to dispose of the firm, eventually selling it to the London based AJS and Matchless combine in 1937, which duly became known as Associated Motorcycles. The 1938 range adopted new model codes reflecting the new ownership, although the models changed little and continued to be marketed under the old names, pending the introduction of completely new range of high cam singles that was being prepared for the 1939 model season. The range consisted of the 250cc A23 and A23S formerly known as the model 14 and its sport variant, the 350cc model 8's became the A24 and A24S and the ohv 500 changed from the model 9 Sports to the A25, model 95R to the A26 and Model 9 to the A27. The 500 and 599 Lion side valves continued as the A29 and A30 respectively. The overhead valve 493cc sports tourer had been a mainstay in the range throughout the thirties. The robust single cylinder engine was, by 1938, complimented by a four speed Burman gearbox with a foot operated shift. Valanced mudguards and Sunbeams patented full "oil bath" chaincase helped keep the rider clean and a 6 volt electrical system with a Magdyno and full lighting set was fitted as standard. The model was listed at 75 Guineas and came finished in the traditional black and gold livery to an exceptional standard.

This delightful unrestored example of the Model 9/A27 provides a testament to the quality of the Sunbeam finish with the original paintwork still being serviceable 73 years after it was applied. The machine has recently returned to the UK from Italy where it formed part of a private collection. It is offered with an old style V5 for the non transferable registration.